There are two things that feel so wonderfully London: the theate and afternoon tea. Sofitel London St James has brought them together at the hotel's The Rose Lounge, serving up a Phantom of the Opera experience which combines a limited-edition menu themed around this much-loved theatre production.
Located in one of the capital's most elegant postcodes, Sofitel London St James is a stunning, five star hotel known for its sprawling cream-toned facade and luxurious interiors. But, you don't have to be an overnight guest to enjoy the stand-out afternoon tea, served in The Rose Lounge which is beautifully decorated with pink-toned seating, golden wallpaper, soft lighting and of course, bouquets of roses almost everywhere you look.
For this special afternoon tea, pastry chef Lerrick Coelho has meticulously designed 'three acts' for diners to enjoy, inspired by Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic production. The team say that each bite represents a part of this haunting love story, letting different flavours take the stage and entertain you over the course of this gastronomic experience.
Act One starts with 'The Auction Begins' inspired by the story's spectacular auction and locked away treasures. With an aim of unearthing flavour combinations you might not have tried for years, the savoury selection spans sandwiches such as St. Ewe’s egg black truffle mayonnaise and water cress on brioche bread, alongside Cornish Crab tartlet, Shropshire Blue and brown crab custard, as well as John Ross smoked salmon and dill cream cheese.
Act Two is 'Beneath the Opera House' and is described as a 'world where darkness and beauty entertwine'. Here, guests can enjoy a masterful desert of vanilla and rose mousse with raspberry confit accompanied by a stunning dark chocolate painted mask. For Act Three 'The Masquerade' there's most sweetness to come with dark chocolate mousse and tonka bean creamuex sphere on a coco sable, followed by Granny Smith apple, spiced caramel and vanilla mousse tart, as well as mango, passion fruit, coconut opera cake on a vanilla sable and finally, cherry and mascarpone roll on a lemon sable. Freshly baked scones are also served, of course, and topped with strawbery and rose jam and clotted cream.
The Phantom of the Opera afternoon tea also comes gluten free, vegan, vegetarion and for children.